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The Other WIFI: Stories from Nature

Youth Environmental Programs about the PA Wilds that are Informative, Fun and Imaginative.

The Other WIFI is here! (Youth Environmental Programs about the PA Wilds that are Informative, Fun and Imaginative).

Penn State Extension in McKean County provides informative, fun and
imaginative programs about the environment, forestry and natural
resources for youth of all ages (and the young at heart).

Stories from Nature is an interactive program that (depending on
topic) includes stories or discussion about nature, hands-on activity,
scientific models and/or games. Presentation duration is about 30—60
minutes in length per homeroom or group of 20 (or less)--length and
content adjusted according to age group. Topics increase awareness and
appreciation about the PA Wilds in our backyards, which provides
stepping-stones toward proficiency in the Environment and Ecology and
Science, Technology and Engineering Academic Standards.

March

Super Wapiti - A fancy name for a beast with a super-sized appetite
for vegetative matter! Native Americans called the elk "wapiti," which
translates into "white rump." Long ago, elk populations roamed much of
North America; human factors vastly reduced their home ranges. Thanks to
a dedicated conservation movement, scientists returned an Elk
population to PA. Discover some of the adaptations, habitat component
preferences, behaviors, communication and biology of wapiti. (Option -
"Habi-plates" - habitat models; 30 cents per child).

April

Go with the Flow (of Energy) - Energy drives everything… Based on the
National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, students will
explore conservation and alternative energy through kid-tested games
and/or activities. (Sponsored, in part, by a grant from the PA DEP
Environmental Education Grants Programs ~ Lorraine Jacobs attended NEED
and Citizen Power workshops)

May

Raindrops Part II - A child's eye view of freshwater quality -They
slink, swim, pinch, cling: Fish, tadpoles, crayfish, hidden critters…
all depend on clean water--some of them more than others do. Discover
the creatures that inhabit the streams, some for their entire life and
others for part of their life.(Options - 1: water themed
model/treat, 30 cents per student ~ 2: Host this lesson in a community
stream; I will bring nets, magnifiers, ID guides and containers)
(Sponsored, in part, by a Sinnemahoning Headwaters RC&D Grant).

March - May

Nature Detectives - (for locations with outdoor space only) take a
guided nature hike to discover the PA Wilds in your community or
schoolyard. Wear play clothes and dress for the weather!

Depending on program, I will need at least 30 minutes of
preparation/set-up time prior to your scheduled program (as well as
about 20 minutes clean-up time afterwards). Your responsibility is to
reserve adequate space (one location is preferred) for student
groups/homerooms to rotate through for program activities. These
programs are similar to bringing an abridged environmental education
field trip to your classroom.

To Request a Reservation

(Dates are very limited, reserve soon.) The best way to register is via email at LMJ14@psu.edu.

Select your presentation choice. Provide your grade, number of
students (number of boys/ number of girls) and ages; I will then send at
least two dates and available times for your choice.